<p>Okay, Missy, I am getting the sense that the inlaws are outlaws and I have a wee small idea that might totally bomb but here it goes (and it’s what I would do if I hadn’t already told my own damfam I had to limit guests this TG b/c I needed quite visit time with McSon):
Have DH “treat” the outlaws to a beautiful suite at local nearby hotel X, including something spa like or otherwise entertaining…and let him join them there while you bond with kids and decorate, and egro exploit them for labor, fun and profit. Include outlaws for main meal, join them at their “beautiful hotel” for a brunch the next day, or at some entertainment venue, and bug out when you need to.</p>
<p>If they protest the plan, DH can just say “You deserve the treat and I want us to really enjoy our visit and MissyPie gets frenetic about decorating – you really don’t want to be at the center of that cyclone.”
Which is likely true, right?</p>
<p>Good luck if you try it. I have pulled this off in the past. But my famdam is low maintenance, after years and years and years of operant conditioning ; )</p>
<p>Ah, kmccrindle, normal human beings would love being put up at the Gaylord, but these particular human beings would be talking to the other relatives about the supreme insult for the rest of their days. You see, they are doing us a favor by visiting us. Lots of alcohol may be the solution. Or can I just go to a doctor and ask for Xanax?</p>
<p>When we went to 50th wedding anniversary party a few weeks ago - I was SO glad to be able to pop that little pill. I know - it’s a horrible thing if we’re aiming for role model status, but this was the better alternative to pouring gin at 10 in the morning. :)</p>
<p>I am a little nervous for son’s return. D16 has really been missing him BUT every time she tries to reach out to him, he more or less blown her off under the guise of “too busy” right down to not replying to facebook shout outs. She thinks he is being a brat and while he has done a really good job of calling and keeping in touch with both H&I, I just think he’s going to want to see his friends etc. and we’re going to be forced to “have a conversation.” Plus… we didn’t get a chance for much one on one time over PW and so, I really want him to stick around enough to I can see he is doing well. </p>
<p>When I grew up we had the kind of holiday’s Kmccrindle describes. My mom has five brothers - all younger. That was when the family lived a lot closer. Now everyone is spread all over the country – gotta love the corporate spread of transfers. Anyway… my mom went all out with decorating and had a huge open house New Years Day for every body on the face of the planet it seemed. We had real trees (allergies of my siblings) that were then planted in the spring. My entire backyard was lined with all of our Christmas trees over the years. We also had two aluminum rotating trees - one that was all gold - lights and balls included and one that was silver that we hang all the Christmas cards on. That one was my favorite. HOWEVER… it was such a stressful time to decorate my Mother always ended up flipping out at some point. Therefore, I love to decorate, but it has gotten less and less because I don’t want the stress. My H is definitely not a fan of Christmas in general (thus the Key West a few years ago).</p>
<p>Missypie, I hope you don’t mind, but I propose a class of '13 parents group Road Trip to see the Christmas wonder that it sounds like you host! If we bring booze and treats, you can just give us a tour and snack?! I wish there was a way you could at least show us pictures!</p>
<p>We’re not allowed to breathe a word about Xmas until the day after Thanksgiving, then we can play our Partridge Family Christmas and Vince Guaraldi “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown” hearts out. We do have two trees–one that is DH and the boys with all Star Trek and Star wars ornaments–a lark started 15 years ago that now is noisy and fun with “battle scenes.” The other is the traditional, living room one. Wow–it’s coming fast and furious, isn’t it?</p>
<p>Question of the day: What is your absolute favorite annual event or moment in this holiday season–whether its Christmas or other observance? (Note for first-time parents of freshman: this moment may be eclipsed by getting your freshman home for a couple of weeks–I’ll never forget picking S1 up at the airport that first year–wahoo!)</p>
<p>That’s an easy one. Our church has four Christmas eve services. People with little kids tend to attend the earlier services so the 8 and 11 o’clock services are calm, quiet traditional services of Lessons and Carols. Each year the service begins with a child (or countertenor) singing the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City a capella, then the choir and congregation join in…My absolute favorite moment of the entire season is the last verse of Once in Royal David’s City, as the tenors and soporanos sing the descant, “not in that poor lowly stable…” “we shall meet Him but in Heaven…”</p>
<p>If you Netflix the movie Shadowlands, one of the early scenes is at Oxford’s service of lessons and carols and you can hear the choir singing the same arrangement with the same descant.</p>
<p>I grew up with five Grandmother’s - 3 great and 2 regular, add them, my five uncles and their wives/dates and our own family it was such a good time. We’d have essentially a repeat of Thanksgiving dinner and then we’d all go down and open presents. At 11 pm we’d go to church where my sisters and I would sing with the choir and every year through high school would sing a trio of The Snow Lay on the Ground. We’d come home and my Grandfather would have a movie for us - big projector and everything. Aladdin and the 40 thieves type of thing. I loved those days and I am so sorry my kids have never had such an experience - not even close.</p>
<p>Hey, I’m in on the road trip! Where (as in what state) are we headed – not that it matters too much; I’m still in.</p>
<p>Favorite annual event: Dinner at the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT with their special holiday menu. H & I went w/ one other couple the year before we were married. Since then we’ve gone every single year with a group that has expanded, contracted, and changed slightly over the years. Both D & S have come with us since they were born; D has missed 2 years in college when her exam schedule didn’t work out; it looks as though this year S will have to miss it for the same reason. There are strolling carolers, and when D wasn’t able to attend, I called her cell and had her listen long distance. We schedule this a year in advance for the first or second Saturday in December, before total madness sets in. There’s no pressure, or gifts, or anything else involved – just good times with good friends.</p>
<p>MissyPie: Wow! That’s all I can say. I’m envious.</p>
<p>I do 2 trees. One real one fake. The fake one is totally Peanuts. I’m a Charlie Brown fan through and through. The real one where the presents go typically is a hodge podge of ornaments but we love it. Snow village and candles and some outdoor lights but not as many as I would like. I love to decorate and enjoy putting everything out. Why however when Jan. comes around do I hate to take it down. One year the Christmas village didn’t come down until August. I sometimes wonder why I bothered that year to even take it down…</p>
<p>This year D wants to do flamingo Christmas outside again…we did it a few years ago. I made a wreath, we found a Christmas flamingo banner, pink outdoor lights, and plastic yard flamingos with santa hats (I found a place online that sold CAT Santa hats [!] so I used those.) I need more yard flamingos but the originals off of eBay are expensive.</p>
<p>I am not sure how Id view my neighbor if their yard ended up filled with flamingos in santa lights. I bought a huge rudolph one year at Sam’s club. It was stolen from our yard on December 26. The entire neighborhood was picked off. I always wondered if it was part of some practical joke where all the deer landed set up in someone else’s yard across town!!</p>
<p>The world knows that my D is a flamingo freak, so the first year we did it it was almost expected. We also have a large inflatable flamingo. Our neighbors have one, too, that we borrow. I made long red fleece scarves for them.</p>
<p>We live fairly close to the Gaylord Texan, which (like own Christmas decorations) causes one to wonder, “Is this cool, or is it the tackiest thing I’ve ever seen?”</p>
<p>this last year has been so stressful for all of us we all deserve a break. I will do ANTHING for anyone but must say I resent the thankless ones. Not that I’m advocating but my condition gives me an out. This year I dont think they would get to far. Trust me I’d rather not but you might as well use it for what you need.
The Christmas trees sound lovely, you must have tons of energy!!! I do love Charlie Brown. Do you kids appreciate it as much as you?
I had to warn D2 to be prepared for queen of the slobs to return. I also think there will be some territory reestablishing going on. Once again I will close my door Oh sorry I dont feel well. unfortunately you could hear it all over the house i am sure. I am looking forward to seeing my D1 as I have not seen her since August except on skype. BTW I am a very independent person so illness drives me nuts and not something I get secondary gains on, just being bit faceous(sp) not to give the wrong impression.</p>
<p>Flamingos? My H does not even allowed colored lights. he is opinionated about certain things. I WOULD LOVE the flamingos something to strive for next year. Of course this year he’d let me have anything I want lol. next year same old same old.</p>
<p>You’d think with kids in Minnesota and Massachusetts I might be able to spend Christmas somewhere typically Christmas-y, but nooo, must swelter in Texas. I’ve always thought it would be neat to spend Christmas in Williamsburg - maybe I’ll put that on the list of things to do after college tuition.</p>
<p>My favorite Christmas tree was when I made oodles of origami cranes (cheap gift wrap makes great origami paper).</p>
<p>Since I am down to one tree it is one with angels and ornaments the girls have made. I started collecting angel ornaments for the girls when they were born. At least one every year but usually several. My other trees that I have if I feel like using them are a Northwoods theme, all silver and white theme and an old fashioned mixture of ornaments. I hang wreaths on every window with big red ribbon and bows and put candles in the windows. I have a snowman and a santa collection.I used to make big ice luminarias to line the sidewalk. I’m getting tired just thinking of decorating! ;)</p>
My other trees that I have if I feel like using them are a Northwoods theme, all silver and white theme and an old fashioned mixture of ornaments. I hang wreaths on every window with big red ribbon and bows and put candles in the windows. I have a snowman and a santa collection.I used to make big ice luminarias to line the sidewalk. I’m getting tired just thinking of decorating! ;)</p>